Lower Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans – Memphis

Lower Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans – Memphis

Explore historic and modern river life on this unique exploration of the Lower Mississippi River. Cruising from NOLA to Memphis, or reverse, you’ll catch the heartbeat of the river. Enjoy Cajun cuisine on the Mississippi Delta, and so much more!

Your Itinerary

1Embark in New Orleans, LABegin your Deep South adventure with a city tour of the Big Easy! Enjoy the Cajun-inspired food and music, as well as the area’s most beautiful attractions, including the French Quarter, the garden district, and more. The tour will end with transportation to the ship, ready for you to board!

2Oak Alley, LAThe paddlewheel will pull right alongside the riverbank, allowing you to step off the ship right in front of the leafy canopy of Oak Alley – row of perfectly aligned 300 year old trees that perfectly frame the path to the plantation. After the tour of the antebellum plantation, we’ll gather for mint juleps on the west lawn.

3Baton Rouge, LAThe great state capital has its own cultural flavor and flair. After breakfast, you’ll be greeted by those who will welcome you to Baton Rouge, and maybe provide a few Mardi Gras beads. Meet the ghost of the Old State Capital, Sarah Morgan, and tour the Louisiana State Museum with Baton Rouge native, Ira Bobin.

4St. Francisville, LAThis is an exciting day! Your complimentary excursion is a tour of Rosedown Plantation. Learn about the family history of the Turnbulls, as well as time to relax in a rocking chair on the front porch, with a cold drink.

5Natchez, MSEnjoy a private city tour with a local expert guide who can point out the influences of different people, from the indigenous Native American to the European and African cultures. You’ll visit the unfinished Longwood Plantation, left undone when the workers immediately left mid-job to fight in the Civil War. Other optional activities for today include an exclusive piano concert in the JN Stonehouse, or a tour of the Frogmore Plantation where you’ll be able to pick cotton from the fields and witness the technology that creates 900 bales-per-day.

6Vicksburg, MSYou cannot visit Vicksburg without touring the Battle of Vicksburg location, now a National Military Park. You’ll see the restored gunboat, the USS Cairo, as well as walk the battlefield of the Siege of Vicksburg.

7River Cruising

8Disembark in Memphis, TNVisit historic Beale Street to hear the beat of ‘Blues City’ or head over to Graceland to pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley!

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.